LAUGH

it's amazing how one phone call from an old and dear friend can make the day so very much better. Sue Maddock called this morning to check in with me." I have a dental appointment today and am going to hopefully get cortisone shots for my hands on Wednesday. We weren't able to attend two social events over the weekend because I didn't want to transfer my cold to anyone (however, if I knew from whom it originally came from I would gladly return it!)  I'm over medicated etc. Isn't life wonderful!" "So, how are you doing? Sue responds that since she has gone gluten free she feels ever so much better. Her tummy isn't acting up! (We stopped at Costco on the way home from the dentist and I bought a loaf of gluten free bread. It was over $6.00 a loaf! Also bought chewable probiotic gummies at $19.98. At this rate I am going to have to give up Ebay!) We compared ailments, prescriptions and as always ended up laughing hysterically. We talked about our kids, our previous adventures and everything else under the sun. We have always been terrific friends and a lot of that is based on our senses of humor. We have fifty years of memorable times and we just love to reminisce. Our pal Vivadiddle is going through some health issues but we know she will be just fine. We all met in our early twenties when our only health issues were minor colds and the occasional "tummy ache". What happened we ask one another? Viv and Ed love cruising and go on them every chance they get. Good for them! I think they have the right idea.

Speaking of phone calls, my Sister just called and we also laughed! Laughing is good! It's the best antidote for everything. She and I and our Mom used to go on wonderful adventures. Hopefully, I will be seeing C.A. real soon. In the meantime, her adorable Grandson, Jack is growing up so fast.

Also my friend June M. can make me laugh as we watch the same programs - which shall remain nameless - and catch up on them and other stuff. She is the only other person I know that enjoys the shows that I like. She too, is a wonderful friend. I miss seeing her and John every year when they used to stop by. Y'all come back.

Carol Light and I just talk and it always helps!

One of the terrific things about our family is that we can laugh. All of our daughters have great senses of humor and Greg and Lee do too. I guess it's a family trait! Sometimes, however, it can be my particular downfall because if I get nervous, I giggle and not always appropriately. I will never forgive myself when at a party a woman started singing in a very serious way. It took me off guard and I started giggling uncontrollably. I was sitting on a sofa and was trapped in the middle and had no place to go. I am not even going to mention in detail - the funeral!

The bottom line is, that I love to laugh! A laugh a day or more may just keep the doctor away. Have a great week. I will let you know all about our upcoming visit to Charlotte. Hugs and Love, Arlene

Haven't a book to recommend as we have been glued to the TV as I recently posted.

BROCCOLI PUFF
Two packages of cooked broccoli (I use steam in the bag)
One cup Bisquick
One cup milk
Two eggs
One cup cheddar
salt and pepper to taste
fresh herbs and/or spices (optional)
Can also use spinach, asparagus  etc.

Beat Bisquick, milk and egg with hand beater until smooth. Stir in broccoli and cheese and put in to a baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

OLYMPICS ETC.

Call me a couch potato or a lazy boy recliner because I have been an avid observer of the Olympics. My bottom has  expanded from sitting days on end and believe me that is not a good thing. I think my next purchase will be Spanx!  But, the bottom line is that the winter games have captured our attention. If an ice skater falls we want he or she to rally and do well no matter their country of origin. But I have to say we were delighted that White and Davis won the gold medal. They deserved it! I have always thought Bode Miller positively adorable even though he fathered two children out of wedlock - shame on him - but I was happy he shared in winning a bronze medal. Besides he finally found his "soul mate" in his twenty-six year old wife. It's amazing the time, money and years that go into making it to the big event and then a tumble on a ski slope ends the quest for the medal, at least for now. What troopers one and all.

I have a quest of my own right now. I am on the hunt for blue and white Asian etc. porcelain. I am back on Ebay and having such a good time. Today, Leland, Greg and I went antiquing and out to lunch. I found the cutest ginger jar! All my green stuff is tucked away and the cupboard Dad made is now filled with my newest "can't live without" blue and white STUFF! You know I am better because I am rearranging. That's a good thing! I just love our home and am glad I can make periodic small changes. Don't you just love the homey English style, the French country look or that Tuscan look that makes you want to cook pasta? I have never been a big believer in horoscopes but I am a Scorpio and do have Scorpio tendencies. Maybe there is something in those signs after all! All I know that it makes me happy to find things I like to look at.

I am ready for spring and looking forward to seeing buds on the bare trees and little daffodils popping up. This winter has been a wee on the cold side and Atlanta got hit with snow that literally threw the city into a tizzy. We just stayed home all snuggled up. We had plenty of food and our electricity stayed on. And, we had each other. What more could one ask for? My heart went out to those that had difficulties. I hope our Governor learned a BIG lesson!

My Sister is coming to visit in the spring and we will go galavanting. She and I are great galivantors. We even like getting lost! I miss her so much! I need a Sister fix!

I read somewhere that instead of living a day at a time one should live a moment at a time. Just take a moment to think of someone who is ailing, or to count your blessings or to say thank you to everyone that has shown you a kindness,  I am going to concentrate on the positives and not on the negatives. I need to remember how lucky I am to have come this far. I want to continue on my quests. I want to be here for my family and friends so keep me in your prayers. They have brought me this far. Thank you!

Our Son, Gregory has been so good at keeping my spirits up and putting everything in perspective for me. He has always been there for us in time of need. I told him today that when he was young and not feeling well I would sleep on the floor next to his bed in case he needed me in the middle of the night. And, if he really didn't feel well I would sit in the wing chair in the living room holding him through the night. Now at fifty he is a man that I am extremely proud of. Thanks Greg, for listening to me whine and picking my spirits up. Love you lots, Mom

SIMPLE ARTICHOKE DIP

One 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
One cup mayonaise
One cup grated parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Combine artichoke hearts, mayo and parmesan cheese and mix well.Spread into 9 x 13 baking dish and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly and brown. Serve with sliced baguettes or pita chips.

THE PROPOSAL

I recently realized that I neglected the most important part of Leland's and my love story - the proposal. As I have already chronicled, Leland and I renewed our friendship on September 19th, 1982 and married on March 5th, 1983. What I haven't mentioned is the most important turning point in our relationship; the day Leland proposed. Sadly, Leland nor I remember the exact date but we do recall where. We were standing in the tiny hallway of my rented cottage in Armonk, New York shortly after my Dad passed away. "Out of the blue" Leland said "will you marry me"? With absolutely no hesitation, I replied "YES".  There was no engagement ring involved then or later but just the happiness of knowing we were in love and would be spending the rest of our lives together made it particularly poignant.  A kiss cemented our intent - that was enough! And, as you all know by now the past thirty years have been the happiest of my entire life. We have shared the joys and sorrows of life together and faced challenges as a team intent on besting those challenges. It was always my dream to marry Leland and my dream came true. I am the luckiest woman in the world.

Ours is a wonderful love story and I know that there are many more tales of love worthy of passing on.. Let your families know yours. My Parents' shared their love story with my Sister and I and we are fortunate enough to pass their history on to our children. I hope that generations from now somehow, somewhere our story will be filed away for reference.  A family tree with all its branches with names are really a summarization of love stories. I just bet that our ancestors could tell us many a tale if we could only ask.

My Cousin, John Lyons and his Wife, Fran found the documentation of our Grandparents' arrival at Ellis Island. Their romance started on the voyage from England to the United States and culminated in a marriage producing five children! I wonder how many other immigrants met their spouse (s) on their journey to the United States seeking a better way of life?  See, we must ask, to get the answers to these questions before it is too late. Go forth and discover. Love, Arlene

Today I want to recommend a CD to you: EDDI READER - The songs of Robert Burns. The song I adore is "My Love is Like a Red Red Rose. It is quite simply, beautiful!

SCOTTISH SHORTBREAD
1 1/2 cup sifted flour
1/4 confectioners sugar
1/4 TSP salt
1/2 pound butter softened to room temperature
Can add raisins or chopped nuts (1/4 cup)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix all ingredients together. Knead thoroughly until the consistency becomes doughy. Press into a shortbread mold. Bake in preheated oven approximately 45 minutes or until shortbread is slightly brown and still somewhat springy to the touch. Let cool in mold and run knife around the perimeter of the shortbread to loosen it from mold. Remove to rack.

RYE RIDGE

When Gregory was nine months old, we moved to the Rye Ridge garden apartments in Port Chester, N.Y. The complex was basically filled with young couples and their young children. Most of our husbands commuted to New York City and most of us were on a slow track to buying our first homes. Bill, (now deceased) my first Husband and I made wonderful friends: Vivien and Bill (deceased)  Cord and their two children, Kenny and Curtis, Sue and Jim Maddock and their children, Greg and Lori, Faith and Jim Morrow (now residing in Palos Verdes, CA. and their two children (a third would be born in CA}. Fifty years later we are still friends! There were many other young couples with whom we lost touch.  None of us had a lot of money, so we made our own fun. Every weekend there would be fun themed parties some of which were spontaneous such as movie parties, costume and"come as you are". We had a ball! We would go camping at Cape Ann or in Vermont and to Bucks County, PA where we stayed at Sue's Parents' second home and went jet skiing. Our years at Rye Ridge were fabulous! We would pop-in to one anothers' homes' for coffee or take our babies' in strollers to Woolworths' and treat ourselves. Life was fun and for the most part uncomplicated. Things changed as gradually couples moved on, on their upward climb to success. I am indeed lucky to be in touch with Sue, Vivadiddle and Faith. We all remember those fabulous parties and sitting at the pool, chatting away.

I was fortunate that my Parents lived close-by. Mom loved to go to B. Altmans, a department store for lunch so off we would go. Later we would go to Bloomingdales for our outings because we loved their menu. Dad was also a big fan so would often join us along with my Sister. It was a wonderful and care-free few years there until we moved to Armonk. Happily, Sue and Jim became neighbors and Sue and I still laugh over some of our antics; our antique hunting, our luncheon in a hardware store that we happened upon, our trip to Nantucket with Carey where we stayed at that seedy hotel (we changed locations) and selling real estate together. Viv, now lives in Armonk. I see another visit in my future.

When we first arrived at Rye Ridge our downstairs neighbor was a widow and her two young children. Midge Parsons lost her Husband on the "THRESHER", a nuclear-powerd attack submarine in 1963. Midge later remarried and moved to Ohio. As sad as she was, she carried on with dignity and faith that all will be well.

Today I had the most touching experience at the Barnes & Noble Starbucks. I was there to get my daily addiction and to greet the very BEST Starbucks staff. Linda the leader handed me a card. The entire staff had written a personal message to me. I cried! It meant the world to me. They have all witnessed my struggle this past year and have been staunch supporters. They are dear to me and I wish them all well on their paths to success.  Thank you all and love, Arlene

I accidentally discovered a new author: G.  M. MALLIET and the Max Tudor mystery series. They are set in a small English village.  I completed the first in the series and on to the second. Great!!!

MUD PIE

i cup finely crushed chocolate wafers
1/4 cup melted butter or margarine
1 quart coffee ice cream
1/ cup canned hot fudge (chilled)
whipped cream
Combine crushed wafers and butter (oleo). Press into a 9 inch pie plate. Pat mixture halfway up sides. Put into the freezer until firm, about 15 minute. Remove and spread ice cream on top of frozen mixture, smoothing ice cream to form a rounded top. Place in freezer at least four hours. Before serving, spread chilled hot fudge over pie to 1/4 inch of edge of pie. Top with whipped cream.

MEMORY LANE

In the early fifties friends and I would sometimes go to the local roller rink on a Friday night and in our poodle skirts would skate the night away to live organ music. Sometimes we would go to the local movie theatre, after eating Crystal hamburgers. The theatre was a go to place to catch up on war news, see cartoons and then a film. At home I would listen to the radio: "The Shadow ",  "Fibber and Molly McGee" ", 'The Inner Sanctum" etc., while snuggled up in bed. Then television came to the Wood family and we would gather together and watch Milton Berle, Arthur Godfrey etc. Progress! Ed Sullivan, Groucho Marx and his silly duck and others became favorite viewing. Remember Art Linkletter and those adorable children "out of the mouths of babes", What's My Line? Jackie Gleason? I could go on and on. What glorious days when a family gathered around the tiny TV, laughing hysterically. They were programs you could share with your young family.

Our family also ate at the dining room table every night and shared the day's news. When asked how my day was, my usual response was "fine". I was a teenager and not particularly communicative. Besides, we moved in my senior year of high school after being in the same school system my entire life. To finish up my junior year I was graciously asked to stay at Mary Rutherford's family home (Meyers') during the week. Dad would pick me up on Friday afternoons and bring me back on Sunday. This was about a six month schedule. Remember, my Grandfather passed away and life changed drastically. We all got through it and I completed high school at Harrison High School. Fortunately, I made friends and got back in the groove. But truthfully, it was a difficult time. And we lived "in the middle of nowhere with no public transportation. That's when I bought my first car, a green Henry J for $75.00. Unfortunately, my then current boyfriend, borrowed it, hit a curb and totaled it! Fortunately, he was not hurt but my car sure was. That was the end of our relationship! I loved that little car!

When our family, first moved to Purchase, New York (it abuts Greenwich, Connecticut), there was a polo field (now the headquarters of Pepsi), a steer farm (now a state university) and a golf course (still there). Our little house has been torn down with the pond and stone fence still standing as a reminder of those days. Manhattanville College is also located there. I remember the small stone library that also contained a nursery school where Gregory spent many a day.  His Father and I lived nearby in Rye Ridge and spent many hours at Mom and Dad's. In fact, they were the only babysitters Gregory ever had. I do miss those visits there with my Parents' and Sister and the trips to the garden where I loaded up on fresh corn and other organically (chicken poop from our wonderful neighbors "Aunt Minnie" and Uncle Charlie" who raised chickens and provided us with eggs) grown vegetables. "Uncle Wilbur" and "Aunt Clara" (Minnie's Sister) would also bring over home baked goodies. They watched me get married and then my little Sister. They were the best neighbors in the world. They adopted us as part of their family. Those days can never be duplicated but are fixed in my memory. I know that Gregory remembers fondly his visits there and playing chess with Grandpa. And, being on the dual swing with Grandma. He still chuckles about the time Grandma's side fell over and her legs went up in the air. They both laughed hysterically.

One year an adorable kitten found its way to our house. My Sister named her Pudder. She lived outside for many, many years. Somehow she got into the house one day and delivered kittens in my Dad's slippers inside their closet. Dad must have found homes for them but we still kept Pudder until one day she just disappeared at a very old age.  We missed her! One day Dad was driving me home from school and a rabbit ran across the road and Dad hit it. He stopped the car and got out to tend to the rabbit. Unfortunately, it was a fatal accident. I remember how sad my Dad was and knew that if he could have saved it, he would have. I also knew it bothered him so much even though it was unavoidable. But,  that was my Dad - always for the underdog. That's why running the camp for the underprivileged children made him so happy. In fact, that is where he met his lifelong friend, Jack ("Uncle" to C.A. and me}. He and his wife, Sophie ("Aunt") and children Jack and Donald became "family". I am still in touch with Jack, Jr. and his wife, Dorothy. Thank you for your prayers both of you.

Whenever we had guests Daddy would always ask me to play the piano. Truthfully, I was terrible and resisted my lessons but he loved "Danny Boy". Carole-Anne and I can remember Daddy singing it. We can't listen to that song without feeling very sad. Dad, a great golfer taught me to play the game. He was, in general, a lover of all sports, a chess player and a stamp and coin collector. We have a corner cupboard in our dining room that he made over 70 years ago. It has a place of honor. He was a wonderful furniture builder, butterfly collector and copper engraver. Sadly, those pieces are long gone. Dad was a New Yorker, but guess what - he loved listening to country music. Go figure! I fervently wish that he could have met his only Granddaughter, Laura. She and Greg both inherited his love of art. Also, he and Mom would have cherished and rejoiced in their Great-Grandson, Jack. The good news is we all got some of their wonderful genes!

BRIE PASTA

I take the rind off of a large round of Brie and cut into chunks.  Place chunks  in a large bowl with lots of cut up fresh basil and cut-up tomatoes (use the best). Keep at room temperature. (can be kept for hours). When ready, cook pasta such as linguini and add to bowl. Easy and delicious! Serve with crusty bread.

Have a wonderful weekend family and friends.  Love, Arlene

SNOW

I know that I have mentioned this before; we live in Georgia. You know the deep south! Well the only thing deep about it at the moment, is the deep snow. We are snowed in and if you have been watching the news, Atlanta has been deeply affected. Over a thousand accidents and for some, stuck in gridlock traffic for many, many hours. We do not own a shovel, sled, nor do we have boots!. To top it off our main furnace decided to quit. The fellow is coming tomorrow to "have a look". Having a "look" could be expensive. How do eskimos live in igloos?  Fortunately, I always have a pantry full of food and of late, I could  personally live off the newly accumulated fat I have recently put on, for some time. We are in good shape (food wise). I tell you, that nasty global warming. Mr. Gore how are things in Tahiti?

I just made myself a cup of tea with lemon and honey. I intend to get ahead of getting a chill. I am layered up in clothing and so at the moment I am toasty warm. Laura and Joe are now getting the weather we are experiencing and so Laura's school was cancelled but Joe successfully made it to work. Now if Greg will let me know where he is I can relax a bit for awhile. I don't have to worry about the children in Florida but I do wonder how Victoria and family are doing? Let me know! I guess we never stop worrying about our loved ones. It just comes with the territory of being a Parent.

Don't you just hate it, when your favorite TV programs are pre-empted by some political hyperbole or if the weather knocks the satellite out? I surely am getting grumpy in my old age. Looking on the bright side, we still have electricity. And then I think that there are people out there living homeless or in very undesirable conditions. God bless them, and keep them warm and safe! We will get back to normal but for others their conditions will not change. If you are thinking of making a donation in this New Year, think about The Salvation Army. I mentioned before that they are a selfless organization. I think we are all grateful for what and who we have in our lives. So, at times like this it is important to help others.

Mary Rutherford checked up on me today. She lost her beloved Husband, John on Christmas night. She is staying busy with her various organizations,  (PEO, canasta group etc.) and even had a small dinner party the other night. She is  basically  putting "one foot in front of the other" so she can move forward. But on days like this, being snowbound and alone makes her sad. I don't blame her, but I am so proud of her progress. She married at 18 and has always had John by her side. Mary, stay strong!

Life gets muddled at times. We (meaning me) concentrate on the mundane sometimes and that is not helpful. I just ordered a new book on Amazon about conquering stress. "The Mayo Guide to Stress Free Living" in paperback by Amit Sood. I'll let you know what I think. In the meantime, stay snuggled with some nice hot cocoa. After I finish my tea that will be my next treat.

FISHERMAN'S BISQUE
1 pkg   (6 ounces) frozen king crab
1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 1/2 cup lt. cream or half n' half
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chopped or dried parsley
Remove crab from box and keep in wrapper, running hot water to thaw enough to separate. Cut into small pieces and set aside. Heat soup and cream to just below boiling point. Add crab and simmer only until it is heated through. Stir in paprika and sprinkle with parsley. Serves 4

VISIT

On Saturday we got a surprise (but most welcomed) visit from Jackie and Ricky Hewett. They are the Parents of Laura's best friend, Kate. They recently left this area to move to Sun City near Savannah. Ricky had transferred to Savannah with his job and they also love being nearer to Kate who is a doctor in Charleston. We discussed a variety of subjects. Our Husbands' found that Jackie and I have a lot in common, particularly our penchant from going from topic to topic midstream of another subject. I think this makes us very intelligent because our brains are working faster than our mouths. If any of you readers suffer from this same affliction consider yourself on the bright side. At least, that's what I am thinking. It's much better than being called "scattered brain". Anyway, Jackie suggested mediation to calm any anxiety I have concerning medical problems and I think that is a marvelous idea. Only, of course if I could clear my brain of thoughts; considering how active it is. I intend to research a book and will definitely try it. Also they are going to email Leland some exercises for his back. It was a wonderful visit and we learned so much. But, it went by much too fast. Y'all come back real soon!

Saturday Greg and I spent a lovely day galavanting. He drove me around to do errands and we had lunch. He has volunteered to take me antiquing in a couple of weeks. It was neat being together. Thanks Greg!

This morning I got a phone call from my dear friend, Sue Maddock. She predicted the outcome of the MRI. She always checks up on me and we bring one-another up-to-date. We have been friends for fifty years and fortunately when we saw one another last year just prior to my surgery - we recognized one another! In fact, she, Jim, Viv and Ed hadn't changed at all! I hate to bore you but I must include, June MaLach, Mary Rutherford, Viv Cord, Diana James, Joy Miller and Carol Light, as constant and supportive friends even though they live a distance away. My Sister, Carole-Anne and Cousin, Joan have also been there for me. And, you all know about this wonderful community of friends we have here. There optimistic outlook has gotten me through so much. Thank you dear, dear friends!

Life has taken a turn for the better! I decided that I have to take a chance and stop eating ice cream, etc. and get back to healthy eating. I carry the glue in my purse just in case! i started yesterday. So far, so good! I have indeed put on weight! The other day, I put on a pair of jeans and struggled to zip them up and button the top. But, I accomplished it and went on my merry way. Later that evening I took them off and put them on the bathtub rim. Leland picked them up and said " they were HIS jeans". "No they are not! - they are mine!" We checked the label and they were HIS jeans. He asked me if I wanted them?! I replied "No I do not want your size 38 x 32 jeans!! He tried to make me feel better by saying they were tight on him. I never want to see them AGAIN! I have now gotten several wake-up calls! The neurologist scale is totally out of whack! I surely can't weigh that! So, we shall see how much willpower I can evoke and get this weight off.

This recipe was included in "A TOUCH OF FIRST CLASS" (Pan Am recipes and nostalgia) and submitted by Joy Miller. We met Joy and Barry while living in Berlin and now we all live in Georgia.

ESCARGOT ALA BARRY ENJOYS
1 (7- 1/2) oz can snails
1 shallot
3 cloves garlic
1 cup parsley
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
crusty bread

In a food processor mince  shallots, garlic and parsley. Add butter and blend. Skewer three snails per stick. Place in cooking pan with butter mixture over each skewer. While it cooks, butter will melt, snails will be immersed. Cook on grill approximately ten minutes or one drink later until very hot and bubbly. Serve with crusty bread rounds.

Thank you so very much for the lovely cookbook, Joy. I will cherish it!